The Clippers on Friday announced the launch of DTLAC, a downtown L.A.-inspired initiative, highlighted by the team wearing black alternate uniforms during Saturday night home games at the Staples Center for the balance of the '15-16 regular season. DTLAC will offer entertainment and fan experiences. Funny or Die will produce original content for the video boards and live fan engagement. Special lighting effects will be featured at each Saturday night game including lasers and LED wristbands (Clippers). YAHOO SPORTS' Eric Freeman wrote the Clippers' "attempt to create a hip Saturday event will invariably struggle as long as it is tied to their very poor uniforms." One glance at the black alternates "is enough to make you wonder if the team simply discovered that the home white jerseys were reversible practice tops that could be turned inside-out" (SPORTS.YAHOO.com, 11/6).
HONOR THY COUNTRY: USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt noted starting with yesterday’s game against the Raptors, the Heat are "wearing special military-inspired uniforms in honor of Veterans Day" for three home games this season. The Heat’s creative staff, led by Exec VP & CMO Michael McCullough, "designed the uniforms." Proceeds from a limited line of Home Strong merchandise "will be donated to the Fisher House, which provides free or low-cost housing to veterans and military families receiving treatment at military medical centers." The Home Strong program "has turned into the Heat’s hallmark philanthropic endeavor." Team President Pat Riley said that the program "will last after he retires" (USATODAY.com, 11/8).
